GAME REPORT

Arras Take Upper Hand

Marielle Amant registered a double double of 15 points and 14 rebounds in the French battle

ESB Lille Metropole threw a scare into Arras but lost the first leg of their EuroCup Women Eight-Final on Wednesday night in a battle of French teams.

The visitors led 39-38 early in the second half but Arras didn't buckle in front of their own fans and got great performances from two players who appeared for France at the FIBA World Championship for Women last year.

Johanne Gomis hit six of 12 shots from long range and finished with a game-high 19 points for Arras with fellow France international, 21-year-old power forward/center Marielle Amant, contributing 15 points and 14 rebounds.

Arras ended up going in front 60-48 late in the third quarter and increased the advantage to 14 in the last frame before walking off the court with a 10-point triumph.

The two sides will meet next week for the second leg at ESB Lille Metropole.